There’s no shortage of natural beauty here at Garden of the Gods. Here’s what you need to know about planning engagement photos in this Colorado gem!
Garden of the Gods is a stunning 1,300-acre park packed with towering sandstone rock formations that make for an epic backdrop. It’s a designated National Natural Landmark, free to visit, and open year-round, so you can explore and have a session here in any season. With its striking red rocks set against the bright blue Colorado sky, this place is truly incredible!
The amount of natural beauty here is pretty endless. But here are some specific options to choose from as a location for your engagement photos!
Gateway Rock
Right near the park’s entrance, Gateway Rock welcomes visitors with towering formations and beautiful views of the surrounding plains. It’s a spot that really captures the full beauty of the area – perfect for those landscape shots!
Siamese Twins Rock
Tucked away on the park’s northern side, the twin rock formations frame Pikes Peak in the distance, providing a quintessential Colorado scene. Plus, the trail to Siamese Twins is short and relatively easy, making it a very accessible location.
Balanced Rock
A true showstopper, Balanced Rock is one of the park’s most famous landmarks. This massive boulder teeters dramatically on a narrow base, which makes it an extra fun backdrop. Catch it at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning light and deep, glowing colors.
High Point Overlook
For some of the best panoramic views in the park, High Point Overlook is the place to be. From this elevated spot, you’ll get breathtaking views of the red rock formations, Pikes Peak, and the vast Front Range. It gives you a more unique perspective of the area!
Central Garden Trail
Winding through the heart of the park, the Central Garden Trail puts you up close with some of Garden of the Gods’ most impressive rock formations. It has winding paths, some lush greenery, and towering cliffs that all create a really dreamy setting for an engagement session!
Here’s a glimpse into what each season looks like here in this part of Colorado!
Autumn transforms the park with rich, warm hues that perfectly complement the red rock formations. The weather gets a bit more crisp, and the early mornings here are especially gorgeous.
A light dusting of snow turns the park into a breathtaking winter wonderland, with the red rocks standing out against a bright blue sky. Just be sure to bundle up and check trail conditions before heading out!
Vibrant wildflowers pop up across the park, bringing bursts of color to the red rock landscape. With mild temperatures and fewer visitors, it’s a perfect time for a more intimate and peaceful session.
Longer days mean more time to capture stunning shots, but expect warm weather and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. Early mornings or evenings are best to beat the heat and avoid some of the crowds.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before planning your engagement session at Garrden of the Gods!
Hi, I’m Lo, a Colorado Elopement + Wedding Photographer and Garden of the Gods is an absolute favorite place of mine! I am always ready to capture those heartfelt moments and adventures that you can look back at forever. So if you need someone to help you plan your Colorado engagement photos + tell your love story, I’d love to chat!